Our adventure begins with a comfortable pick-up directly from your accommodation. Travelling in fully equipped Land Rover Discovery 3 vehicles, we set off towards the southern part of the island, heading for the wild and impressive Asterousia Mountains — one of the most authentic and unspoiled mountain ranges of Crete. Known for their dramatic landscapes, deep gorges, and strong pastoral traditions, the Asterousia Mountains form a natural barrier between the fertile plains of central Crete and the vast southern coastline.
Our destination is the majestic peak of Kofinas, rising at 1,231 metres above sea level and offering one of the most spectacular sunset viewpoints on the island. The journey itself is part of the experience. We arrive at the traditional village of Sternes, where the paved road ends and the adventure truly begins. From here, a scenic dirt road leads us gradually higher into the mountains.
Along the way, the landscape reveals the authentic rhythm of rural Crete. We pass traditional shepherd shelters and grazing lands filled with hundreds of sheep and goats, a living reflection of the island’s centuries-old pastoral culture. As we ascend, the view opens dramatically towards the fertile Mesara Valley — the largest plain in Crete, famous for its olive groves, vineyards, and long agricultural history dating back to the Minoan era.
Reaching the base of the summit, a short and enjoyable hike of approximately 15 minutes leads us to the top. Standing at the summit of Kofinas is a truly unforgettable moment. A breathtaking 360-degree panorama unfolds before you: to the north lies the vast Mesara Valley; to the south stretches the endless blue of the Libyan Sea; while to the east and west the rugged ridges of the Asterousia range extend as far as the eye can see.
As the sun begins its descent, we take a moment to relax and embrace the silence of the mountains. We prepare traditional Greek coffee on a portable gas stove and enjoy it while watching the sky slowly transform. Then comes the highlight of the evening: the sun touches the horizon and the entire landscape turns into shades of gold and deep orange. The sea reflects crimson hues, and the atmosphere becomes almost surreal — a moment of pure awe and serenity.
After sunset, we make our way back to the vehicle and follow the same scenic route down the mountain. Our evening continues with a visit to the traditional village of Asimi, a quiet rural settlement known for its authentic Cretan character. Here we stop at a traditional kafeneio (local café-tavern) where we enjoy a simple and delicious local meal, experiencing the warm hospitality and flavours of the Cretan countryside.
Finally, we return comfortably to our base, bringing with us unforgettable memories of Crete’s mountains, landscapes, and magical sunset.
